Also new is their extremely detailed 3D rendered building view. Taking two fingers and expanding them across the screen will zoom you in far enough to take advantage of it. It is also possible to pan 360 degrees around the 3D buildings by touching the screen simultaneously with two fingers, and turning them at the same time. The same features are included in Google Maps, but again – the Garmin doesn’t need the internet to render a single thing.

Like other LMT models, the 3590 is Bluetooth hands-free calling compatible, and compatible with their Smartphone Link application for Android. This isn’t new, but Smartphone Link gives users access to Garmin Live Services. This can help display live traffic, the weather, SMS messages, fuel prices, and even alert you when you’re approaching a red-light (Europe only).

Guidance 3.0 uses nearly 60,000 junction views in the U.S. and Canada to show photographic details of signs and lanes, while the the nuvi 3590LMT pairs that with subscription-free Digital 3D Traffic information pumping out updates as to condition of the road ahead as often as every 30s. 3D landmarks, Bird’s Eye views at junctions and boosted search speed are also included.

There’s also Bluetooth on the nuvi 3490LMT and above, for hands-free phone use, and those higher-end models also have voice-activated navigation.

As for Smartphone Link, that pairs on-PND information services, like weather and speed cameras, with your smartphone, using a Bluetooth connection. The app also helps you find your way from your parking spot to your final destination, and then find your car again.

The Garmin nuvi 3500 series will go on sale in February, priced from $329.99. The Smartphone Link app is a free download, with live weather information and myGarmin messaging also free to use; however Live Traffic ($19.99 per year), photoLive traffic cameras ($9.99 per year), Fuel Prices ($9.99 per year) and Advanced Weather ($4.99 per year) are all premium services. It works with all Bluetooth enabled 2012 Garmin PNDs, the nüvi 2475LT, 2495LMT, 2595LMT, 3490LMT and the 3590LMT.

That’s useful for frequent travelers, who can avoid extortionate roaming costs by downloading the maps for their upcoming destinations to the iPhone’s local storage rather than accessing it over a data connection while there. By splitting the core app and the navigation data, Garmin has also streamlined the update process: rather than everything being downloaded each time a new version is pushed out, only the app changes need be delivered.

Meanwhile, there’s a new UI with animated menus and new gesture support, and Garmin has sensibly split the settings options away from the main functionality of the app to keep things easier to use while on the move. 3D map navigation has been simplified too.

“The new Settings menu allows users to easily customize functions and change preferences, for example when to receive speed warnings, while the new Actions menu lets you use functions that are needed while navigating such as points of interest search and social network postings” Garmin

NAVIGON 2.0 for iPhone is available now as a free update to existing users, or as a $39.99 purchase for the North American edition [iTunes link]. In-app purchases will get up to $25 discounts until the end of the month.

Pair the FR70 with an optional Garmin foot pod, however, and it can track your speed and distance while walking, jogging or running. There’s also a speed and cadence sensor that will work on your bike, or you can use ANT+ to wirelessly connect to compatible treadmills, spin bikes, elliptical trainers and other gym equipment that want to tattle on your performance. However, there’s no GPS integration.

Meanwhile, used with Tanita’s BC-1000 body-composition platform – basically a very fancy set of scales – your  weight, body fat, body water, muscle mass, metabolic age, bone mass, visceral fat and other intimidating-sounding measurements can be collected. Those can be shared using Garmin Connect, the company’s socially-enabled online tool, so that others can coo in an impressed way or gasp at how unfit you are.

The Garmin FR70 will go on sale in November, priced at $129.99. Both men’s and women’s versions will be on offer, though that basically means you can have the FR70 in either blue or pink.

With the adapter in place, Garmin Fit can monitor heart rate and cadence using the company’s various wireless accessories; without it, the app alone can measure speed, pace, distance, time and calories burned. There’s also music playback control from within the app, as well as support for answering calls and text messages without losing track of your workout.

Once you’ve finished – or, in our case, staggered to a halt, gasping and wheezing and wishing you’d never got out of bed that morning – you can then tell the app what the weather was like and add any relevant notes, and then it gets automatically shuttled off to join your online Garmin Connect record. That allows you to track your routes, as well as compare them with those recorded from one of Garmin’s GPS watches.

Although the documents don’t reveal a whole bunch, it does suggest that Garmin is aiming to more tightly integrate its other fitness gadgets with the iPhone. The company recently launched a new sports watch called the Garmin Forerunner 910XT GPS watch as well as the Garmin Vector and Edge 200 Cycling GPS devices that target pro cyclists with advanced fitness metrics.

From the looks of the adapter, it should be compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and possibly the iPhone 4S, by attaching to the bottom of those devices. Garmin will probably have to come out with a free app to work in tandem with the adapter as well.

[via Engadget]

The watch is water resistant to 50 meters and is the first multisport watch from Garmin that offers swim metrics like distance, stroke identification, stroke count, and pool length. The watch can also compute the swimmers swolf score, which is a measurement of swim efficiency. The battery on the watch is good for 20 hours of use.

The 910XT also has a virtual Racer mode that allows the user to compare their time against other times. The watch can also be handlebar mounted on a bike. The 910XT has a vibration motor or alerts like heart rate and distance so when audible alerts can’t be heard the wearer can feel them. Garmin also included ANT+ support for connecting to wireless sensors. Pricing is unknown at this time.

Hook up the Vector to a Garmin Edge 800 or Edge 500 – using ANT+ – meanwhile, and you can also collect Normalized Power (NP), Intensity Factor (IF) and Training Stress Score (TSS) data. Unlike other products promising similar datalogging, Garmin’s is designed for easy installation: the injected carbon fiber pedals fit a standard LOOK Keo mount, while the ANT+ pod slots onto most major cranksets. Garmin claims it lets cyclists “measure where it matters” and gain more information on their riding style and performance than position and time alone.

The Edge 200, meanwhile, stores up to 130 hours of ride data and runs for 14hrs on a single charge. It’s compatible with the Garmin Connect online performance community, which can log routes and performance.

Unfortunately, “measuring where it matters” doesn’t come cheap. Garmin says the Vector will cost a not-insignificant $1,499.99 when it hits the market in March 2012. In comparison, the Garmin Edge 200 will be a snip at $149.99 when it lands in Q3 2011.

Garmin is also happy to be getting its hands on the Navigon iPhone app. Garmin made note in its announcement that the purchase was landing it one of the top-selling navigation apps on the iPhone and Android devices. It would be safe to assume that a big driver for the purchase was the navigation apps that Navigon offers.

Lots of people are going to navigation on their smartphones rather than using the traditional navigation device. The cost of the deal is unknown. Navigon expects to have a new line of wares on the market in time for the holiday season.

[via CNET]

Navigon is based in Germany and is much more popular in the European market, while Garmin is most well known in North America. The acquisition would bring Navigon under Garmin’s wing as a subsidiary and will help accelerate Garmin’s expansion in the automotive OEM navigation space.

It’s believed that the acquisition will cost Garmin roughly $72 million, although no actual numbers have been disclosed. The deal is still subject to regulatory approval and would complete at the earliest by late July.

Press Release:

Garmin® Ltd. Announces Signing of Agreement To Acquire Navigon® AG

Schaffhausen, Switzerland and Hamburg, Germany /June 14, 2011/Business Wire — Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN) and Navigon AG announced today that Garmin Ltd. and the shareholders of Navigon AG have signed an agreement for a subsidiary of Garmin to acquire privately-held navigation provider Navigon AG (“Navigon”).

“This acquisition is a great complement to Garmin’s existing automotive and mobile business. Navigon has invested significantly in the European automotive OEM business, and we feel that we can rapidly expand our automotive OEM footprint and capabilities through this transaction,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and COO. “With Navigon, we are also acquiring one of the top-selling navigation applications for the iPhone and Android platforms – something that we expect will help drive revenue for the combined company going forward. Combining Navigon’s and Garmin’s strength also improves our competitiveness and standing particularly in Europe.”

Navigon is headquartered in Germany. In addition to its automotive OEM and navigation application for smartphones, the company has an estimated seven percent share in portable navigation devices (PNDs) in Europe. In regards PNDs, Navigon’s products are known for their compelling design, performance, and innovative software features.

“We look forward to sharing expertise, technologies, and relationships between Navigon and Garmin in order to serve more customers, expand product offerings, and lead the market in hardware and software innovation,” said Egon Minar, CEO of Navigon. “Our two companies each bring complementary strengths to the table, but what we share is a passion for customer satisfaction through innovation.”

Navigon will operate as a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Financial terms of the transaction will not be released.

The system is aimed at hunters that need to keep up with a hunting dog that roams far ahead of the group looking for prey. The maximum range of the Astro 320 has been increased almost 30% compared to older models allowing the owner to track their dog up to nine miles away on flat ground. The system can track up to ten dogs at one time per receiver and is compatible with the Garmin DC 20, 30, and 40 tracking collars and accessories.

The Astro 320 handheld has a full color screen that can be read in direct sunlight. It can also be loaded with 100k or 24k Topo maps and photo realistic BirdsEye Satellite imagery for another $30. The device has a lot of maps pre-loaded and has a microSD card slot for cards with maps on them. The Astro 320 is not cheap at $499.99 and a system with one collar and the Astro 320 is $649.99. The device will launch in July.

Footage can be reviewed instantly on the PND itself, or copied over to a computer for archiving. As well as GPS position there’s speed and direction data, which could be handy if you’re in an accident. Garmin has also packed in its usual feature set, so you get text-to-speech, Bluetooth use as a handsfree kit, speed camera warnings, optional real-time traffic updates, various preloaded POIs and space for up to 100 saved routes and 1,000 user POIs.

Right now the Garmin nuvi 2565RT is only available in Taiwan, but the plan is to roll it out in Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia. If it’s a sales success there, it’ll get a US and European release. No word on pricing at this stage.

The device uses NAVTEQ maps and you can see the traffic you are getting into thanks to the coolest of all the devices features – live traffic camera feeds. The 2390 will show all the feeds along your route and if traffic is too heavy, you can reroute on the fly. In Europe, the nuLink service is included with the purchase for a year. I would assume it would be the same in the US. After that one-year period, it’s $60 for another year of service.

NuLink offers a bunch of other services too with local search, flight status details, and a currency converter. The device also learns traffic patterns in your area to help you get faster routes as you travel. The 2390 also has Bluetooth capability and lane assist with junction view. The 2390 can be pre-ordered in the UK for £229.99 and has a May 27 launch date, pricing in the US should be close.

[via GPSTracklog]

The Forerunner 610 features an easy to navigate interface with an overall design that has won it the Red Dot Design Award. The display is highly responsive, however, the interface is in grayscale to save on battery life. The watch has a Training Effects feature that shows you the impact of your fitness routines and it has a vibration motor to alert you of reaching target heart rate, pace, and distance. And of course, it tracks a whole bunch of fitness metrics.

The metrics recorded can then be used in a feature called Virtual Racer that lets you compete against yourself or against others via the Garmin Connect platform.
Exact pricing and availability for the device has not yet been announced, although they will likely be available for the Boston and London marathons.

[via BusinessWire]

Being able to record your driving could really help people out in those “he said, she said” situations when a car accident occurs. With video evidence of what happened it could really help, or hurt, your argument. The nuvi 2575R also comes with a TV tuner as well, which I guess is so that you can watch your favorite sports team while driving. That doesn’t make much sense, but I suppose that the resulting accident could at least be caught on the nuvi dash cam.

No price was given on how much the unit will cost you, or how much the extra camera will run you as well should you choose to attach it to the nuvi 2575R. This is definitely something a smartphone can’t do as your GPS directional unit, at least until some developer makes an app for it.

[via GPS Track Log]

Navtones now has a new Busey voice to go along with the Hasselhoff, Mr. T, and Flavor Flav offerings it already has. The voice will give drivers turn-by-turn directions while spouting oddities that Gary is famous for.

Quips like “do not pet the lions or the gorillas,” or “be in the silence and let the journey be in the noise” will be offered up among others. I particularly like “don’t look in to the rear-view mirror to clean your teeth, or you could rear end a log truck in Oregon and remove your teeth forever.” The voice pack has 60 different clips and you can grab it now for $6.95.

Our hands on time with the device confirmed the idea that Garmin’s presence in the GPS navigation market is still a strong one. The company’s new device is certainly responsive, and we were able to find our way through the menus quickly, and without much effort. The 3760T is compact, and lightweight as well — perfect for the holder you’ll be sticking to your windshield.

As well as casual check-ins, the GTU 10 supports up to 10 geofences (virtual boundaries) which trigger an email or text message notification when the tracker moves outside. The battery is good for up to four weeks of use, and sends out low-power alerts when it’s running short.

The Garmin GTU 10 is priced at $199.99 with a year’s worth of access, allowing for 10 points of daily track history. Standard Tracking renewals are $49.99 for a year’s subscription, or you can upgrade to 7 days of track history access for $4.99 per month.

Press Release:

Garmin® GTU 10: New GPS locator helps you track what’s important

OLATHE, Kan./January 4, 2011/Business Wire — Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today that it is entering a new market – personal and property tracking – with the introduction of its innovative GTU 10 GPS locator and web-based Garmin Tracker™ service for computers, smartphones and compatible Garmin nüLink devices. GTU 10 will be showcased in the Garmin booth (South Hall #35831) at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.

“For more than 20 years, Garmin has been the go-to name for location-based technology and our new GTU 10 broadens the scope of ways that we can help our customers in their everyday lives,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Whether you’re keeping an eye on your children after school, your pets or your property, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you can easily and affordably track the locations of the things that matter most to you.”

How It Works

Small (3”x1.3”x.8”), lightweight (1.7 oz.), waterproof and packaged with a carabiner clip and pouch, GTU 10 is easy to attach to a backpack, dog collar or anything else you want to track. Once you register your GTU 10 at my.Garmin.com, the tracking service is enabled. Tracking data is delivered across AT&T’s wireless network. When you’re on your computer, Garmin’s Tracking website helps you manage your GTU 10 and map its location. For even more convenience when you’re on the go, you can download the Garmin Tracker™ application for your mobile device to see the location of GTU 10 and how it relates to your current location. For another level of connectivity, compatible Garmin nüLink devices can automatically route to the GTU 10’s location with turn-by-turn directions.

GTU 10 owners can create up to 10 geofences (virtual boundaries) for your device so that when it enters or exits a geofenced area, Garmin can send an email or text message notification to you or authorized friends and family members. It’s also easy to view a track history of where your GTU 10 has been. And because there are numerous ways to use GTU 10, it’s easy to customize battery settings for optimal performance. The built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery can last up to four weeks between charges, and low battery/powered off notifications through the tracking service let you know when it’s time to recharge or when the device has been turned off.

Make It Yours

“While GTU 10 was being developed, countless uses evolved as different people saw different possibilities,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Our role is to provide the technology and make it intuitive and reliable, how you use it is up to you.1”

Among some of the many potential uses for GTU 10:

• Parents: Know that your child arrived at the babysitter’s house after school, or track your teenager when he/she borrows your car.
• Cyclists and runners: Let loved ones track your whereabouts, or let friends track your progress on race day.
• Property owners: Attach GTU 10 to your prized possessions, such as boats, tools, farm machinery, construction equipment, etc. – or hardwire it into your car – and keep an eye on your valuable goods from anywhere.

And the list goes on, depending on what you want to track, and how you choose to track it.

Tracking options

GTU 10’s tracking capabilities are a result of combining high-sensitivity GPS with a connection to AT&T’s nationwide wireless network. GTU 10 has a suggested retail price of $199.99, which includes one year of Standard Tracking. Providing access to 10 points of daily track history, Standard Tracking can be renewed at an annual rate of $49.99 after the first year of complimentary service. For those who want a more detailed history, the Deluxe Tracking service plan ($4.99 per month) can access 7 days of track history. Each service plan includes the option to automatically renew upon expiration, and there are no early termination fees, no activation fees and no contracts.

Since its inception in 1989, Garmin has delivered 72 million GPS enabled devices – far more than any other navigation provider. Garmin’s market breadth in the GPS industry is second to none, having developed innovative products and established a leadership position in each of the markets it serves, including automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, outdoor recreation, tracking, and wireless applications. For more about GTU 10 and Garmin’s other products and services, go to www.garmin.com, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/garmin.

Use of the GTU 10 is subject to applicable laws and regulations.

As you’d expect, it also supports Apple’s iOS multitasking system, so that navigation isn’t shut down even if you switch to a different app. Address Book integration allows for easier route planning, too. The new Garmin StreetPilot for iPhone app is available now, priced at $39.99.

Press Release:

Garmin® Brings Turn-by-Turn Navigation to iPhone with New StreetPilot App

Garmin rolls out new smartphone application lineup at 2011 Consumer Electronics Show

OLATHE, Kan./January 4, 2011/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced its first turn-by-turn navigation app for iPhone, StreetPilot, as well as its full lineup of new smartphone applications for both iPhone and Android. Garmin’s new mobile applications — including StreetPilot for iPhone, Garmin Tracker, myMechanic, and My-Cast Lite — will be on display in the Garmin booth (South Hall #35831) at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

“Providing consumers with mobile applications is yet another way they can experience the benefits of Garmin – be it our navigation expertise or bringing the capabilities of our niche market products to a smartphone. GPS is an extremely helpful tool, but we recognize it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. We decided to introduce a new line of smartphone applications so that we can give customers a quality Garmin experience in the format of their choosing,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales.

The StreetPilot® App: Designed specifically for iPhone, the StreetPilot App gives iPhone owners unlimited use of Garmin’s industry-leading navigation with traffic alerts. The intuitive interface greets users with two simple options: “Where to?” and “View Map.” Customers can easily look up addresses and services and get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to their destination.
The StreetPilot App includes many of the same high-end features available on Garmin’s standalone automotive GPS devices like free traffic alerts that enable drivers to steer clear of traffic accidents, road closures and construction; lane assist with junction view that directs drivers to the preferred lane and displays realistic images of upcoming complex junctions; and speed limit indicators that display speed limits for most major roads. It is an off-board navigation system so that customers always have the advantage of the most up-to-date mapping information available.

The StreetPilot App also integrates with a driver’s iTunes music library so they can access and control their music while on the move; integrates with their address book so they can navigate directly from their contact list; and uses the multitasking ability of iOS 4 to allow them to take a phone call while the navigation continues to work in the background.

The StreetPilot App is available now for $39.99 from the App Store on iPhone or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

Garmin Tracker: Available soon for iPhone and Android, the free Garmin Tracker App works in conjunction with the Garmin GTU 10 tracking devices (also announced at CES 2011) allowing users to track the things that mean the most to them – a child, pet, boat, car and more – and see its location from the convenience of their smartphone.

myMechanic: Auto aficionados can now know their car’s specific performance metrics including horsepower, torque, G-force, and more. Available for download from the Android Marketplace beginning in February 2011, myMechanic’s information is available when paired via Bluetooth with Garmin’s ecoRoute™ HD module.

My-Cast® Lite: In addition to the lineup of My-Cast apps currently available for iPhone, a new, free My-Cast Lite application is available now for Android users which provides radar, current conditions, hourly and extended forecasts and more.

Since its inception in 1989, Garmin has delivered 72 million GPS enabled devices – far more than any other navigation provider. Garmin’s market breadth in the GPS industry is second to none, having developed innovative products and established a leadership position in each of the markets it serves, including automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, outdoor recreation, tracking, and wireless applications.

The nüvi 2460LMT and nüvi 2460LMT each have lifetime traffic subscriptions, and all four models support user-rating of POIs which can then be synchronized with other Garmin PND owners. The UI itself is also customizable, allowing you to pull commonly-accessed features to the front.

Pricing is expected to range from $249.99 to $349.99 when the nüvi 2400 Series goes on sale in Q1 2011. The LM-models also get lifetime mapping updates.

Press Release:

Garmin® Debuts nüvi® 2400 Series: Large Format Navigators With Advanced Features

OLATHE, Kan./January 4, 2011/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today the nüvi 2400 series of personal navigation devices, featuring a large five-inch display and a new range of optional features like voice-activated navigation, lifetime traffic and map updates, and advanced route planning and calculation with Garmin’s nüRoute technology. The nüvi 2400 series will be showcased in the Garmin booth (South Hall #35831) at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.

“The nüvi 2400 series offers drivers some of the most sophisticated and sought-after features available on the market today,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “The large five-inch diagonal display is easy on the eyes, and options like voice activation, traffic alerts, and enhanced route calculation make traveling across town or cross-country easier than ever. And never before have these features been available at such an economical price.”

The nüvi 2400 series is comprised of four models: the nüvi 2460LMT, nüvi 2460LT, nüvi 2450LM, and the nüvi 2450. Models featuring voice activated navigation let users control nüvi by voice, so they can keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Simply wake up nüvi with a customizable voice command and begin speaking menu options that are displayed on the screen. Bluetooth connectivity lets users make and receive phone calls when paired with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone. Lifetime traffic-enabled models help notify drivers of traffic delays and road construction and suggest detours around them. Units featuring lifetime map updates let users download the most up-to-date maps and points of interest up to four times a year.

All models feature nüRoute with trafficTrends™ and myTrends™ predictive routing. With trafficTrends, nüvi automatically learns traffic flow trends to improve route calculation and better predict the estimated time of arrival based on time of day and day of week. With myTrends, nüvi will, over time, begin to anticipate a route to favorite destinations as soon as the device is powered up.

The nüvi 2400 series lets consumers customize their unit in new ways as well. Users can give a one- to five-star rating to any point of interest. When the unit is connected to a myGarmin account, they can submit their ratings and receive an updated community database of ratings from other users. Owners can also customize their device’s main menu to display their most-used icons for quick navigation.

Priced from $249.99 to $349.99, the nüvi 2400 family is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2011. Visit www.garmin.com for more information and pricing.

Since its inception in 1989, Garmin has delivered 72 million GPS enabled devices – far more than any other navigation provider. Garmin’s market breadth in the GPS industry is second to none, having developed innovative products and established a leadership position in each of the markets it serves, including automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, outdoor recreation, tracking, and wireless applications.

R3 Media Network

SlashPhone
iPad 2 Launching in the “Next 100 Days”
AT&T Branding Appeared on Nokia X7 Leak Pictures
Samsung Announces Winners of Bada Developer Challenge, Winner Apps Free for a Month!

Android Community
Pre-ordering for Notion Ink’s Adam from tomorrow, December 9
Parkmobile Android app lets you pay for parking
Angry Birds Android ads make Rovio $1m per month
Motorola’s Honeycomb slate poses [Video]
HTC Knight (aka EVO Shift 4G) pictured in accessory update

SlashGear
Peel Fruit turns iPhone into show-suggesting universal remote
Notion Ink Adam pre-orders open December 9
bada Developer Challenge pays out $2.7m; 5m bada phones sold by end of 2010
IE9 anti-tracking protection measures detailed after FTC privacy pan
Verizon 3G browsing outage fixed; “technical glitch” blamed
TI OMAP4440 processor debuts: 1.5GHz dualcore, 3D 1080p and more
Barbara Kruger computerized chess set isn’t impressed by your bishop [Video]
Nokia focusing on UI dynamics for MeeGo; needs to “regain the imagination”
Speck outs DustJacket cases for iPad and Kindle 3
iPad Lock and Security Case will protect your iPad from pilferage
OnLive launches game spectating on iPad along with Windows 7 apps
Garmin creates free geocaching community called OpenCaching
PNY offers GTX 570 video card with cool game bundle
Spotify US launch in question as labels refuse licensing deals
Nica Sunrise Bluetooth headset looks like a hockey puck
Akatsuki Venus probe overshoots: next chance in 7 years
Lian Li unveils new PC-X500FX computer chassis
Samsung Gloria 10-inch Windows 7 tablet with sliding QWERTY due early 2011?
Google grabs 60,000 Cr-48 notebooks while Acer conservative on Chrome OS demand
Some Nexus S handsets will use Super Clear LCD not Super AMOLED confirms Samsung
AT&T branded Nokia X7 leaks again
iOS 4.2.1 Untethered Jailbreak gets video demo
CAPS LOCK ISN’T DEAD reassures Google on Chrome OS keyboards
Microsoft is “credible” in smartphone space claims WP7 manager; iPhone a “boulder”
BlackBerry PlayBook “best platform for the application” says Lazaridis; no QNX phones until dual-core mobile CPUs
Google Latitude for iPhone prematurely peaks into App Store
Google Chrome OS Cr-48 notebook detailed

To see more wrap-up posts, follow the following tags: [The Daily Slash] or [SlashGear Morning Wrap-up]

If geocaching is your thing, Garmin has announced the creation of a new community for sharing of caches around the country and for fans to talk about their passion for geocaching. The site is intended to let people share the “awesomeness” of a particular cache. The site also allows the users to offer details about the terrain and difficulty of finding the cache.

The site also has a how-to guide for the folks that are trying their hand at geocaching for the first time. The OpenCaching site will work with any device or software that can read GPX files no matter the maker. That means you can participate and use the site even if your device isn’t a Garmin unit.

The new device falls into the nuvi 2400 series and there are no hard facts known about the devices at this point. GPS Tracklog reckons we are looking at a few new 5-inch screen touch models that should land in time for CES in a few months.

The image here is an older 4.3-inch 2300 model, but the new versions will probably look just like this. We can probably expect to see things on the new family like live traffic and the Garmin myTrends feature as well.

The S1 is a watch that looks like any other digital with the added benefit that the S1 has precise yardages to the front, back, and middle of the green. The watch has details for over 14,000 courses loaded from the factory.

The watch updates the golfer’s position constantly and will give individual shot distances. The watch is rugged and waterproof, which is important if you are caught in the rain. It weighs 1.8 ounces and the display is backlit. Power comes from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery good for up to eight hours in GPS mode and up to three weeks in watch mode. It also automatically detects time zones and sets the time automatically.

The deal will see ASUS the only Android phones to use the apps, and will mean that the Garmin brand will be silk-screened onto handsets from the company.  Meanwhile Garmin will be free to release its apps on other platforms, with free PND downloads in the iOS App Store and BlackBerry App World tipped.

[via Android Community]

Instead, ASUS will be free to “design and manufacture new models of ASUS-branded mobile phones, some of which will include preloaded Garmin navigation and Location Based Service (LBS) applications” while Garmin will look to pushing its software navigation systems.  Tellingly, it’s aiming for distribution “ through certain consumer application stores,” and if that isn’t an iOS App Store hint then we don’t know what is.

Press Release:

Garmin and ASUS Announce New Mobile Handset Strategies

Schaffhausen, Switzerland and Taipei, Taiwan/October 26, 2010/Business Wire — Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN) and ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (TAIEX: 2357) today announced a strategic decision to alter their current co-branded business model for location-centric mobile handsets. The two companies will not introduce any new co-branded handset models going forward, but will continue to sell and support models that have already been introduced to the market. ASUS will design and manufacture new models of ASUS-branded mobile phones, some of which will include preloaded Garmin navigation and Location Based Service (LBS) applications. Garmin will expand its mobile handset application development and plans to offer navigation and other applications through certain consumer application stores.

Since the announcement of the Garmin-Asus strategic alliance in February 2009, the companies have developed and marketed six devices. These products are available through carrier and retail channels in a large number of countries. Customer support continues to be of utmost importance to Garmin and ASUS, and Garmin-Asus smartphone customers will continue to receive product support, software updates and/or downloads from either Garmin or Asus, depending upon the region.

Additional details about ASUS and Garmin’s future product roadmaps will be discussed during their independent third quarter earnings calls on October 28, 2010, and November 3, 2010, respectively.

About Garmin-Asus
Garmin-Asus is a co-branded strategic alliance that enables Garmin Ltd. and ASUSTeK Computer Inc. to combine their complementary resources to develop world class LBS-centric mobile phones.

One of those companies will continue to be ASUS, who will apparently continue using Garmin’s location-based services apps for models in its range.  Nonetheless, Garmin will be free to attempt to rekindle working relationships with companies like Sony Ericsson and LG, whom it supplied prior to the Garmin-Asus deal.

The two companies announced their plans to work in partnership back in February 2008, with Garmin at the time riding high on the promise of the much-anticipated nuvifone.  Production and software delays – together with a scattershot approach to which mobile OS to adopt – meant that handset arrived only after significant delays and to mediocre reviews.  Since then, devices have failed to find their feet among more high-profile rivals.

Battery life is a whopping year, and the battery itself can be easily replaced.  In that time it will also count up how many people have accessed the coordinates.  It’s available now.

Press Release:

Garmin® chirp™ Brings Geocachers Even More Creativity, Connectivity

OLATHE, Kan./October 15, 2010/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced chirp, a unique wireless beacon designed specifically for the outdoor adventures of geocaching. Affordable, durable and waterproof, chirp can communicate with, and be programmed by, any compatible wireless-enabled Garmin handheld for a more interactive and enjoyable geocaching experience. Cache creators and seekers alike will enjoy the benefits as chirp stores hints, transmits multicache coordinates, counts visitors and confirms the cache is nearby.

“With chirp, geocachers have a new tool to enhance the joys of creating and finding caches around the globe,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “In listening to and participating in the vibrant geocaching community, Garmin created a one-of-a-kind device that builds on popular innovations such as paperless geocaching and downloading cache details directly to the device.”

Geocaching is a high-tech version of hide-and-seek where participants of all ages explore the outdoors in search of hidden treasure and adventure, and chirp’s wireless interactivity introduces a world of possibilities for creative caches. Experienced cachers will embrace the countless options now available in creating cutting-edge caches, and beginners will appreciate chirp’s features that make those caches easier to find. Simple to use and password-protected, chirp can be programmed by any compatible wireless-enabled Garmin handheld to store geocaching hints and other information. When other geocachers arrive near your cache, they’ll be alerted that the cache is nearby, and then they’ll be able to access the hints you’ve loaded into chirp. And when you return, chirp will tell you how many visitors have been to your cache.

With chirp, setting up and maintaining a multicache has never been easier. Using your compatible Garmin handheld device (such as Oregon, Dakota and the recently announced GPSMAP handhelds), chirp automatically transmits program coordinates so other cachers can find each stage of your multicache. Or if you’re on a multicache, chirp lets you download coordinates. So there’s no need to manually enter numerous sets of complex coordinates – there’s just one simple touch and you’re on your way to the next stage.

Designed and tested by geocachers, chirp is built to take the rigors of the outdoors. And because chirp is password protected, the owner is the only one with programming powers. With a battery life of up to a year and a battery that’s easy to replace, chirp is long-lasting and user-friendly. Measuring 1.3” by 0.9” (slightly bigger than a quarter) and weighing less than an ounce, chirp is small enough to incorporate easily into your favorite caches – whether they’re already placed or still being planned.

The helpful hints provided by chirp are brought to life through paperless geocaching, which allows geocachers to help the environment and be more efficient by having cache information downloaded and displayed directly on the device. Compatible Garmin models store and display details such as location, terrain, difficulty, hints and description, so that you don’t have to carry around printouts. Learn about geocaching, getting started and going paperless at www.garmin.com/geocaching.

Available now for a suggested retail price of $22.99, chirp represents the latest breakthrough from Garmin, which has spent more than 20 years developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ lives, making Garmin a household name in the automotive, aviation, marine, wireless, outdoor and fitness industries. For more about features and product compatibility, as well as information about Garmin’s other products and services, go to www.garmin.com, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/garmin.

As for the Garmin Forerunner 210, that’s a little less complex but still has customized interval sessions, heart rate alerts and – if paired with the wireless foot pod – running cadence information.  It connects via USB and the battery is apparently good for up to 8hrs solid GPS use.

Both models come with access to the company’s Garmin Connect online database and sharing service, should you need a little extra encouragement (or the threat of public shaming if you don’t keep up your exercise routine).  No word on pricing, but the two GPS watches should arrive sometime in Q4 2010.

Press Release:

Garmin® Expands Forerunner® Family, Giving Runners More GPS Options

OLATHE, Kan./October 4, 2010/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced two new Forerunner models, which will give runners an unparalleled range of GPS options for any level of training and experience. Forerunner 410 and Forerunner 210 complement the simple-to-use Forerunner 110 and multisport Forerunner 310XT. These new exciting models will be first displayed in Chicago during marathon weekend, and the new watches will also be featured in New York City at the marathon expo before hitting running stores.

“Forerunner 410 and Forerunner 210 are ideal for runners who want more options while enjoying the ease of use that has made Garmin an industry leader,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Whether you’re a beginner or an elite athlete training on the streets, the trails or the treadmill, Garmin has an accurate and intuitive solution to help you get the most out of your running.”

Forerunner 410

Sleek and streamlined, Forerunner 410 introduces an enhanced touch bezel, a premium soft-strap heart rate monitor and new software features evolving from the revolutionary Forerunner 405, which Leisure Trends Group’s RetailTRAK™ Running Report found to be the top selling electronics item for 2009 in the running specialty channel, as published in Running Insight.

In addition to the enhanced touch bezel that lets runners quickly scroll and select features on the run – in all types of weather – Forerunner 410 alerts runners before transitioning into power-save mode and allows users to manually shut down the power in preparation for long breaks in training. The new touch bezel provides unmatched reliability in sweaty, rainy conditions, and it processes information even faster than before. When your workout’s done, Forerunner 410 keeps working by wirelessly uploading data to the Garmin Connect™ online training community when in range of your computer. It works via ANT+™ wireless technology and the USB stick that comes with your watch. No wires, no manual uploads, no sweat.

Forerunner 410 lets you customize up to three training pages with more than 30 different types of data. You can even determine how many data fields are shown on each screen — whether you see one big field, two or three smaller fields. To get the most information during a run, you can set up your training pages to display and automatically scroll through the data you want, then lock the bezel before you take off. And when you set up advanced workouts on Forerunner 410, your running watch becomes your running coach by displaying detailed training plans and workouts while you’re on the run.

Forerunner 210

As easy to use as the popular Forerunner 110, Garmin’s new Forerunner 210 is ideal for runners who simply want to step outside, acquire satellites and start their workout. Forerunner 210 provides real-time data such as pace, distance and time by using a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with Garmin’s HotFix® technology to quickly acquire and sustain satellite reception. For runners who want more training capabilities, Forerunner 210 lets you create customized interval sessions and see your pace for each interval. You can also set up heart rate alerts to notify you when you are above or below your targets. If you’re using the 210 with Garmin’s featherweight foot pod (perfect for running indoors or out), you will later be able to see your running cadence, or steps per minute, when you upload your data to Garmin Connect. Available in a stylish glossy black-on-black design, Forerunner 210 looks fashionable on the run, in the office or out on the town.

Lasting up to 8 hours in GPS/training mode and up to three weeks in power-save mode, Forerunner 210 can be an everyday watch even on an off day of training. Users can save time by charging the battery and uploading workout data to Garmin Connect™ at the same time through an easy-to-use USB connection, which also is used to upload free software updates quickly from www.garmin.com.

Get in the zone with heart rate training

The Forerunner 410 and Forerunner 210 bundles feature Garmin’s premium soft strap heart rate monitor for the most comfortable fit possible. Each of these new watches has five heart rate zones, which you can customize based on your exact zones. Forerunner 410 and Forerunner 210 provide heart rate-based calorie computations so you can more accurately track your calories burned.

Store, share and analyze with Garmin Connect

Because Forerunner 410 and Forerunner 210 store and display hundreds of hours of saved history, runners can see their totals even when they haven’t had a chance to upload to Garmin Connect. But once at Garmin Connect (http://garminconnect.com), users can quickly and easily log their workouts, track their totals, set goals, share workouts with friends and family and participate in an online fitness community of more than 40 million activities around the world. Garmin Connect displays metrics such as time, distance, speed, elevation and heart rate. This information is shown through charts, illustrations, reports and a variety of map representations including street, photo, topographic, and elevation maps as well as the popular Google Earth application.

Forerunner 410 and Forerunner 210 are the latest breakthroughs from Garmin, which has spent 20 years developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ lives, making Garmin a household name in the automotive, aviation, marine, wireless, outdoor and fitness industries. For more about features, pricing and availability, as well as information about Garmin’s other products and services, go to www.garmin.com, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/garmin.

Using Garmin’s Custom Maps software, owners can manage their own topographical data or load on preconfigured packages, such as City Navigator maps, stored on a microSD card.  The Edge 800 also supports satellite imagery, and requires no calibration if moved between bikes: the company says you can simply twist it off the mount and snap it onto a different cycle.

Battery life is up to 15hrs of standalone use, and you can share trails and other information via Garmin’s Connect web forum.  No word on pricing or availability at this stage.

Press Release:

Touchscreen Edge® 800 from Garmin® Blends Best of All Worlds

Streamlined Data, Route Planning and Color Mapping

OLATHE, Kan./August 26, 2010/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced the feature-packed touchscreen Edge 800 for cyclists who want accuracy and simplicity when tracking their statistics and location for racing and recreation. Edge 800 seamlessly combines the most popular aspects of the industry-leading Edge 500 and Edge 705 while adding an intuitive touchscreen interface. New mapping options such as Garmin’s BaseCamp route planning and BirdsEye™ Satellite Imagery make it perfect for training, touring and riding on the trail. Edge 800 will debut at Interbike (Booth 2631) and Eurobike (Booth A5-201), where it won the coveted Eurobike Award for electronic components.

“Whether you’re on the road, in the mountains or around the city, Garmin’s touchscreen Edge 800 puts the most important information of your ride at your fingertips,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Thanks to its simple mounting system, improved mapping and route-planning capabilities, and the GPS-based features that make wires and calibration obsolete, we can easily say that one Edge fits all.”

Building on its popular predecessors, Edge 800 is smaller and sleeker than the Edge 705, yet features a larger 2.6” display with a simple touchscreen interface. And while Edge 800 gets its streamlined design from the ultralight Edge 500, the color display and versatile mapping options make exploration more enjoyable and efficient than ever. The latest version of Garmin’s free BaseCamp software (www.garmin.com/basecamp) gives users an easy tool to survey the terrain and plan routes. BaseCamp lets users plan and preview routes – along with viewing elevation changes – and then send those routes to Edge 800, Edge 705 and Edge 605 as courses to follow.

In its third year as title sponsor of the Pro Tour cyclists of Team Garmin-Transitions, Garmin has worked closely with the sport’s top athletes in developing Edge products that can be appreciated by cyclists around the world using a cycling computer to get their fastest time – or for the first time.

“At Garmin-Transitions, we’re going to be on the cutting edge of technology, in everything we do,” said Team Garmin sprinting sensation Tyler Farrar. “Edge 800 can track all of our performance data, and it also keeps things interesting on training rides because we can use it anywhere in the world to plan and follow new routes – on and off road – and always find our way back to the start.”

Cyclists can view Team Garmin’s featured rides – or download, analyze and share rides of their own – at Garmin Connect™ (http://garminconnect.com), the free-to-join online community of more than 30 million activities from around the world. Garmin Connect displays metrics such as time, distance, speed, elevation and heart rate through charts and a variety of map representations, including street, satellite, topographic, and elevation maps. Garmin Connect users can search for activities in their area and try them by uploading the data to Edge 800, which will guide the way.

“I can come back and do even more on the computer when I download it,” said Team Garmin’s Christian Vande Velde of combining Garmin Connect with the Edge products he used in consecutive top-8 finishes at the Tour de France. “It takes all the guessing out of everything in my training.”

Using information directly from GPS satellites, Edge 800 accurately tracks speed, distance, time, GPS position, elevation, calories burned, climb and descent. For even more real-time data on display, Edge 800 syncs wirelessly through ANT+™ technology with compatible third-party power meters as well as Garmin heart rate monitors and speed/cadence sensors. For extra-precise climb and descent data, Edge 800 incorporates a barometric altimeter to pinpoint changes in elevation.

Because Edge 800 requires no calibration, it can be switched quickly between bikes thanks to a low-profile, quarter-turn mount that fits easily on the stem or handlebars with tight-gripping rubber rings. Boasting a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix that quickly acquires and maintains satellite reception, Edge 800 displays temperature readings, changes time zones automatically, lasts up to 15 hours on one charge and alerts riders if they’re moving but the timer has not been started.

As powerful as it is for performance cyclists and speed specialists, various mapping options make Edge 800 an ideal device for singletrack exploration, everyday errands and casual commuting.

On the trails, using a separate TOPO U.S. 24K DVD or microSD card brings you the highest level of topographic detail available, with maps comparable to 1:24,000 scale USGS maps, featuring terrain contours, topo elevations, summits, routable roads and trails, parks, coastlines, rivers, lakes and geographical points. In town, optional City Navigator mapping provides detailed street maps, millions of preloaded points of interest and onscreen turn-by-turn directions to your destination.

Subscribers to BirdsEye Satellite Imagery can quickly transfer high-resolution satellite images to Edge 800 and seamlessly integrate those images into the onscreen maps to get a true representation of the surroundings. And Garmin’s Custom Maps can bring the details, labels and landmarks of your existing paper or electronic map to Edge 800 in just a few simple steps.

Edge 800 is the latest breakthrough from Garmin, which has spent more than 20 years developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ lives, making Garmin a household name in the automotive, aviation, marine, wireless, outdoor and fitness industries. For more about pricing and availability, as well as information about Garmin’s other products, go to www.garmin.com and www.garmin.blogs.com. For more about Team Garmin, visit www.garmin.com/teamgarmin.

According to Garmin, there have been fewer than ten incidents of overheating nuvi units, resulting in no significant property damage and no injuries.  In fact, they’re describing the recall as “an abundance of caution”, probably to the chagrin of the third-party battery company who have agreed to help foot the bill.

Press Release:

Garmin® Announces Limited Recall of Certain nüvi® Personal Navigation Devices

Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today that it is voluntarily recalling approximately 1.25 million nüvi personal navigation devices (of which approximately 796,000 units were sold in the United States) that contain batteries manufactured by a third-party supplier within a defined date code range and that have a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. Garmin has identified potential overheating issues when the third party supplier’s batteries manufactured within this limited date code range are used in certain Garmin devices with the PCB design. It appears that the interaction of these factors can, in rare circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire hazard.

This issue has been identified in less than ten cases in total involving certain nüvi models. None of the reported incidents has caused significant property damage and no injuries have occurred. Nevertheless, given Garmin’s longstanding commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, Garmin is proactively recalling nüvi units with the specific PCB design and with batteries from the specific date code range out of an abundance of caution. Garmin strongly urges customers to go online to determine if their nüvi device is one of the few nüvi models affected by this recall and, if so, to participate in the program. Only the 200W, 250W, 260W, 7xx and 7xxT (where xx is a two-digit number) model numbers may be affected. These units were sold worldwide.

To determine if a unit is affected, customers can visit www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall. They will be asked to enter their nüvi’s serial number, and if their unit has the specific PCB design and contains a battery from the specific date range, they will be given instructions on how to return their nüvi at no charge. Garmin will replace the battery and insert a spacer on top of the battery next to the PCB before returning the nüvi to affected customers free of charge. If customers are unable to access the website, they may contact Garmin through one of the phone numbers below:

• In the United States and Canada, call (866) 957-1981
• In North America and South America outside the U.S. or Canada call +913 397-8200
• In Europe, Middle East, and Africa, call +44 870 850 1242
• In Asia, call 886/2.2642.9199
• In Australia, call 1800 113 738; and in New Zealand call 0800 427 652

Owners should not attempt to remove or service the battery on their own. To ensure that the unit’s battery is replaced as part of this recall, please return any affected unit directly to a Garmin-authorized facility, using the procedure outlined above.

Garmin is making every effort to cooperate with customers, dealers, and regulatory agencies worldwide, and the company apologizes for the inconvenience that this issue may cause.

Garmin does not expect this recall to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows. The battery supplier has agreed to share the cost of replacement battery packs and all other costs of the recall program.

The best part is that the voice of KITT is actually the voice of the actor that played KITT in the 80′s series. The dudes name is William Daniels. It sounds like the voice pack will be fun, one of the lines KITT mutters when you miss a turn is “If you’re not going to listen to me, just turn me off.”

The voice pack provides random commentary from KITT and address the driver by name. The voice pack is available now for $9.95.

The company also claims to have “received positive demand from the consumer market” though without actual statistics it’s not clear exactly how “positive” that demand has been.  Long delayed and found underwhelming by reviewers when it finally debuted, the Garmin nuvifone has strong PND functionality but is generally outclassed by rival touchscreen handsets when it comes to other applications.

Otherwise it’s likely to have a 4.3-inch display, like the 1690, and use the Bluetooth for hands-free calling.  Garmin has also been playing around with a database of average road speeds based on historical data, which they call trafficTrends, so it seems likely that will make an appearance too.

In the US, the nuvi 1690 uses AT&T’s EDGE network for its connection; it seems unlikely Garmin would want to step up to 3G in the 1695 given the power requirements.  No word on when the nuvi 1695 PND might see an official release, but judging by the fact that Garmin’s request for temporary confidentiality lifts on August 1st 2010 it can’t be too far off.

[via GPS Tracklog]

One Astro 220 receiver can track up to ten different dogs simultaneously, if you’re greedy and have more than just one or two, and you can set the update frequency to five, 10, 30 or 120 seconds; battery life is 17 to 48 hours, depending on that setting.  As for the 220, that should last up to 24hrs on two regular AA batteries.  If you don’t want just anybody locating your dog, you can set a four-digit PIN that needs to be entered before the GPS info will come through.

Mapping data is loaded via microSD card, and the 220 can show topographical or road maps depending on what you put in.  There’s also a special Covey Counter app which allows you to track what your dog is doing.  No word on pricing at this stage – the existing Astro system with the previous-gen DC 30 collar is priced at $599.99 – but the DC 40 will be available both on its own and as part of a bundle with the Astro 220.

Press Release:

Garmin® Unleashes Next-Generation Astro® GPS Dog Tracking Collar

OLATHE, Kan./June 11, 2010 /Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today the DC™ 40 tracking collar, improving upon the very popular Astro GPS Dog Tracking System.

The new DC 40 is mounted on a durable one-inch orange polyurethane coated collar strap, and the small black GPS puck that used to ride on the top of the collar is now integrated into the unit’s main housing. As a result, owners can combine the DC 40 with most standard e-collar receivers – eliminating the need to put two separate collars on a dog. The charging connection has been completely redesigned as well, with the charger clamping around a housing that has no recessed areas for mud to accumulate. Even the LED charging light on the collar has been reconfigured to flash while charging, and glow solid when fully charged.

“The refinements that are found in the new DC 40 are the result of feedback from hunters and trainers,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “The new collar is more convenient and more durable than ever. Whether purchasing an Astro for the first time or upgrading from an older model, sporting dog owners will love the refinements that are packed into the new DC 40.”

Another new feature of the DC 40 is Collar Lock – an option that lets users create a four-digit PIN number that helps prevent others from seeing their dog’s whereabouts. That’s a feature that field trial judges will find useful to ensure that an Astro is used only as a recovery tool when a dog in competition becomes lost.

Used in conjunction with the Astro 220 receiver, the system pinpoints exactly where your dog is and what he’s doing – running, pointing, or treeing – even in dense cover, up to seven miles away, depending on terrain.

The Astro GPS Dog Tracking System requires very little configuration straight out of the box, and is extremely simple to use. Once the transmitter and receiver acquire a GPS signal, the receiver automatically lets users know the location of their dog. There are no subscriptions or setup fees required to use the device.

Astro can track up to ten dogs per receiver at once, and the collar gives location updates every five, 10, 30 or 120 seconds (user selectable). Battery life is 17-48 hours (based on update rate) on the rechargeable DC 40 collar and 24 hours on the Astro 220 receiver, which is powered by two AA batteries. Both the DC 40 collar and the Astro 220 receiver are waterproof.

The Astro also has a map page to illustrate where a dog is and where it has been – in relation to the hunter – and allows hunters to determine if they have covered nearby ground. Garmin’s unique Covey Counter™ lets hunters mark the precise location, time of day, and elevation where they encountered their quarry – and users can easily note the number of birds flushed and how many were taken.

The Astro has a microSD card slot that allows users to insert optional pre-programmed topo maps or road maps, which can be invaluable in an unfamiliar area. Highly-detailed 24K topo maps give hunters an idea of the most productive areas to hunt, while road maps feature the same basic functions as an automotive GPS navigation unit – even in rural areas. The optional road map data can also give turn-by-turn directions to motels, gas stations, restaurants, and even veterinarians.

The new DC 40 collar is included as part of the Astro GPS Dog Tracking system. For those wishing to upgrade from a previous generation of collar, the DC 40 can be purchased separately.
Visit www.garmin.com for more information and pricing.

Each can also be used with Garmin’s free Custom Maps app, which takes paper or other digital maps into a format the GPSMAP 62 series can display.  Meanwhile Garmin Connect can be used to track waypoints and the like.  No word on pricing at this stage, however.

Press Release:

Garmin® Unveils GPSMAP® 62 series, Updating Iconic Outdoor Handheld

OLATHE, Kan./June 2, 2010/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced the GPSMAP 62 series of rugged outdoor handheld devices, bringing a sleek updated look, new mapping options and many technical innovations to a product line beloved by hunters, hikers and geocachers of all ages.

“The GPSMAP 60 series has been one of our most popular product lines, and the new GPSMAP 62 series improves the form and functionality to make a best-in-class device even better,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Whether you’ve been using Garmin for years or are buying your first handheld, GPSMAP 62 is ideal as it combines our new breakthroughs in outdoor recreation technology with the comfortable feel of an old favorite.”

Boasting a 2.6” sunlight-readable color display, up to 20 hours of battery life and a high-sensitivity GPS receiver and quad helix antenna for unparalleled reception, the GPSMAP 62 series features three distinct waterproof models to suit various activities and interests. The basic GPSMAP 62 includes a built-in worldwide basemap with shaded relief. The GPSMAP 62s adds a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and wireless connectivity for sharing routes, tracks, waypoints and geocaches between other compatible Garmin handhelds. GPSMAP 62s also includes a barometric altimeter that tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. Users can also plot barometric pressure over time, which can help keep an eye on changing weather conditions. In addition to these key features, GPSMAP 62st includes preloaded 100K topographic maps for the entire United States (or preloaded 50K topographic mapping of Canada for the Canadian version). Coverage on GPSMAP 62st includes major trails, urban and rural roads, interstates, highways, coastlines, rivers and lakes as well as national, state and local parks, forests and wilderness areas. In addition, you can search for points of interest by name or proximity to your location and view descriptive details for terrain contours, topo elevations, summits and geographical points.

To help each user maximize the mapping potential of Garmin handhelds, each model in the GPSMAP 62 series is compatible with Garmin’s subscription-based BirdsEye™ Satellite Imagery, the free online community at Garmin Connect™ as well as Garmin’s free Custom Maps utility for transferring paper or digital maps onto a compatible handheld.

Geocachers can help the environment and be more efficient by going paperless with the GPSMAP 62 series, quickly downloading cache information directly to the device. Each model stores and displays key information such as location, terrain, difficulty, hints and description, so that you don’t have to tote printouts with you. Learn more about geocaching, getting started and going paperless at www.garmin.com/geocaching.

Subscribers to BirdsEye Satellite Imagery can use BaseCamp™ software to quickly transfer high-resolution satellite images to any Garmin GPSMAP 62 device and seamlessly integrate those images into the handheld’s maps to get a true representation of the surroundings. More details can be found at www.garmin.com/birdseyesatimagery.

Customizing maps for your Garmin outdoor handheld has never been easier. Through a few simple steps, Garmin’s Custom Maps can bring the details, labels and landmarks of your existing paper or electronic map to a product in the GPSMAP 62 series, or a compatible Garmin Oregon, Dakota or Colorado. Compatible with both PC and Mac, this free utility complements the myriad of mapping products already offered for Garmin devices, including City Navigator®, NT for turn-by-turn directions on city streets, Blue Chart® g2, for marine charting, and TOPO U.S. 24K and 100K map software for incredible terrain detail (each sold separately). To walk through the steps, to find and share maps and to join discussions about Garmin Custom Maps, visit www.garmin.com/CustomMaps.

Experiences will live on long after the activity has ended, thanks to Garmin Connect (http://garminconnect.com), the free-to-join online community of more than 20 million activities for sharing, storing, analyzing and enjoying at garminconnect.com. Outdoor and fitness enthusiasts alike can share activities on Facebook and Twitter, export to Google Earth or relive the activity in table view, calendar view or on a variety of maps including our new embedded Google Earth view.

Each device in the GPSMAP 62 series has a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix, which automatically calculates and stores critical satellite information and can use that information to quickly calculate a position. The GPSMAP 62 series is made even more versatile through its universal mounting system that is compatible with the same accessories as Garmin’s Oregon, Dakota and Colorado products. Other key upgrades include photo navigation and onboard memory for downloading maps. GPSMAP 62 and GPSMAP 62st models also feature high-speed USB for faster map transfers with your computer, as well as a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, which shows the user’s heading even when standing still, without the need to hold it level. In addition to the preloaded topographic details for the entire United States, GPSMAP 62st features 500 MB of available built-in memory. GPSMAP 62 and GPSMAP 62s are ready to be customized to fit any user’s activity, thanks to 1.7 GB of onboard memory.

The GPSMAP 62 series represents the latest breakthroughs from Garmin, which has spent 20 years developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ lives, making Garmin a household name in the automotive, aviation, marine, wireless, outdoor and fitness industries. For more about features, pricing and availability, as well as information about Garmin’s other products and services, go to www.garmin.com, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/jakesjournal.

The Garmin nuvi 295W features exactly what you might expect from something showing off a giant W in its name. The WiFi element is something a bit surprising, and the looks of the GPS unit itself makes us think a lot about that Garmin nuvifone heading to T-Mobile. Apparently the 295W drops a lot of the familiar nuvi interface, which gives it a software look and feel to the nuvifone as well. The hardware features a 3.5-inch touchscreen, email access, Google Local search, and text-to-speech.

Additionally, the nuvi 295W features things like an MP3 player, the ability to switch between landscape and portrait mode on the fly, and it even has a 3MP camera on the back. It’s also got a headphone jack, which we assume means a 3.5mm version. Basically, it fits in your pocket, gives you some of the functionality of a phone (or smartphone, even), without the hassle of a contract or the monthly addition of a data plan. It’s going to cost $279.99 when it hits shelves in a matter of days. Check out the video below.

[via GPS Track Log; Thanks Rich!]

So far there’s no preorder page, though you can sign up for more information when T-Mobile have it.  The Garminfone is the latest collaborative effort of Garmin and ASUS, and packs a 3.5-inch touchscreen, 3-megapixel camera, GPS (obviously!) and the company’s own custom UI, intended to make in-car use more straightforward.

That means there’s real-time weather and traffic updates, a huge Points of Interest database and automatic re-routing.  Whether that’s worth $200 remains to be seen.

While the marketing for the A10 is being targeted at those traveling on foot, automobile users aren’t left behind either.  In the box there’s a powered audio mount for the A10, with a loudspeaker for more audible voice navigation prompts.  Meanwhile there’s also the usual bevy of Android apps together with Microsoft Exchange support and access to the Android Market.

An accelerometer and 1500mAh battery round out the specs that Garmin-Asus are making public today; we still don’t know how much the phone will actually cost.  Expect it to navigate onto the market in Europe and Asia-Pacific in mid-2010.

Update: Garmin-ASUS have announced that Dutch carrier KPN will be the first to offer the nuvifone A10, taking preorders in May with deliveries expected in July.

[via Android Community]

Press Release:

Garmin-Asus announces newest Android smartphone with Garmin navigation

A10 focuses on pedestrian-friendly features and navigation for Europe and Asia-Pacific

Cayman Islands/April 28, 2010/Business Wire — Garmin-Asus, a co-branded alliance between Garmin® Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), and ASUSTeK® Computer Inc. (TAIEX: 2357), today announced the Garmin-Asus A10, a touchscreen smartphone running on the Android™ platform that is optimized for pedestrian navigation. The A10 is expected to be available in mid-2010 in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

For those times when walking is the best way to go, the A10 is ideal for city navigation because of its bright, 3.2-inch HVGA touch screen, electronic compass and long-lasting 1500mAh battery. As with other Garmin-Asus Android-powered devices, the A10’s GPS capabilities are optimized to ensure that customers have the best location and navigation experience a smartphone can offer. Detailed maps are preloaded on the A10 so that users do not have to pay and wait for third party maps to download from a server, nor will they lose their turn-by-turn, voice-prompted navigation if they are out of cell phone coverage. In addition to pedestrian navigation, the A10 is ready for use in an automobile out-of-the-box, and it comes with a powered audio mount that magnifies the volume of the device’s voice commands.

The A10 is a full-featured smartphone on the Android platform that integrates Google™ Mobile Services with one-click access to Google Maps™, Gmail™, YouTube™, calendar, contacts and Android Market™, where users can find more than 30,000 applications to expand and personalize their phone to fit their lifestyle. Android applications that include location-centric content are also able to utilize the A10’s enhanced GPS capability.

To optimize a user’s ability to stay in touch with family, friends and business contacts, the A10 is compatible with Microsoft Exchange server and will wirelessly synchronize contacts, calendar and enterprise email. Account setup is quick and easy, and in a few simple steps users will have their contacts, calendar and email ready to go.

Additional A10 smartphone features include a powerful WebKit browser with multi-touch, five mega-pixel camera including auto-focus capability that automatically geotags images with an exact location reference. The built-in accelerometer will quickly change the display so that screens may be viewed in portrait or landscape mode.

The A10 also supports optional cityXplorer™ maps, which makes it possible to plan and use routes that include public transit options such as bus, tramway, metro and suburban rail systems.

The Garmin-Asus A10 is expected to be available in mid-2010 in Europe and Asia-Pacific. Additional information about Garmin-Asus products is available at www.GarminAsus.com.

About Garmin-Asus
Garmin-Asus is a co-branded strategic alliance that enables Garmin Ltd. and ASUSTeK Computer Inc. to combine their complementary resources to develop world class LBS-centric mobile phones.

About Garmin Ltd.
The global leader in satellite navigation, Garmin Ltd. and its subsidiaries have designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications since 1989 – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroomor contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200.

About ASUS
ASUS is a leading company in the new digital era, with a broad product portfolio that includes notebooks, netbooks, motherboards, graphics cards, displays, desktop PCs, servers, wireless solutions, mobile phones and networking devices. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today’s home and office users. ASUS won 3,268 awards in 2009, and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with the Eee PC™. With a global staff of more than 10,000 and a world-class R&D design team, the company’s revenue for 2009 was US$7.5 billion. ASUS ranks among BusinessWeek’s InfoTech 100, and has been on the listing for 12 consecutive years.

ASUS is a registered trademark of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Garmin is a registered trademark, and cityXplorer is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
Google, Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Android and Android Market are trademarks of Google, Inc.
All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

T-Mobile and Garmin have announced that T-Mobile will be the exclusive provider for the new Garminfone. The Garminfone is a premium GPS navigation phone that offers 3G connectivity and a touch screen.

The screen is 3.5-inches and navigation uses the Garmin database. Other features include a 3MP camera with autofocus and geotagging of images. The device has apps installed to find lowest gas prices, movie listings and more near you. The handset runs Android and is expected to arrive in T-Mobile stores this spring.